Probably the biggest topic of discussion right now in our country is healthcare. Everyone has an opinion about the bill just passed by the Congress and signed by President Obama.
But I am not here to discuss politics; there are plenty of other bloggers who do that. Whether you agree with the approach or not, I think we can all agree on one thing. What was passed was not healthcare reform, it was health insurance reform.
I won’t pretend to have read this bill or know all of its ins and outs. What I do know is this bill deals with insurance companies and who and what is covered. That is not true healthcare reform.
True healthcare reform would actually address the health of the nation. True healthcare reform would deal with the real reasons for rising healthcare costs-namely the fact that Americans are, in general, unhealthy and unfit.
When it comes to true healthcare reform, the government can only do so much. For example, government can better regulate the safety and labeling of the foods we eat. Or the government can fund public green spaces or trails, creating better and safer places for people to be active.
However, the government cannot be solely responsible for true healthcare reform and lowering healthcare costs. That responsibility is left to us, “We the People” so to speak. So I am challenging everyone to begin the quest for true healthcare reform.
To start this movement, I want to challenge everyone to do 5 simple things.
- Maintain a healthy weight and body fat percentage. If you are not there, put a plan in place to get there.
- Eat less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day
- Exercise a minimum of 150 minutes per week at a moderate intensity. Include weight training.
- No smoking.
- Cook dinner every night. Limit meals out to 2-3 per month.
Finally, challenge everyone you know to follow these steps. Every time someone brings up the great national debate, ask them what contribution they are making to true healthcare reform and ask them to take the challenge.
I realize these changes won’t solve all of our healthcare problems. I do know they will be a tremendous start and put us on the right path. Remember, every journey starts with the first step.
Okay, who’s with me? Leave your comment or pledge below.
